Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1887-06-30
kElFER'S MlSHAP.
How He Caught a Big Sturgeon in tho
Big Wolf River.
Especial Correspondence
VyorENA Wis 'Inna


WYoCENA, Wis, June II.
We went up the Big Wolf river as far as
Shiocton to try sturgeon spearing. The river
flows by only about four rods of the hotel at
which we stopped, and is broad and deep with
a swift current
The fishing is done with gaff hooks and
spears, which, by the way, are managed oddly
enough. The socket of the spear fits loosely
on the handle. A stout cord is attached to it,
and thence to the handle, and when sturgeon
is struck he is allowed to run the length of
tie cord and then must be hauled in by main
strength.
Fully equipped and instructed, we set out
in boat alone, although the polite landlord
warned us we ought to have an experienced
hand along But we thought ourselves equal
to any occasion and declined company.
The gait had four wicked looking hooks
upon it, and Keifer selected that as his
weapon, leaving me the spear, at which
looked rather doubtirgly.
We rowcd steadily until broad stretch Of
water some distance from town was reached
th"t had been described to us as good place
for sport. The banks were lined With pine
trees, the current was smooth and even; an
ideal fishing ground.
keifer lowered the gaff into the water and,
letting the boat drift watched for victim
A long time passed. Several fine fish were
visible, but at too great a distance for a
thrust. Suddenly Keifer jerlxed his pole up
savagely, and came near overtulning the
boat.
"Mein Gott, haf heem," he yelled
Then followed IA struggle shall never forget
The fat, burly German tuggng and pulling at
at the pole, his ludicrous endeavors to preserve
his balance in the narrow boat, his round
fat face scarlet with exertion, and his eyes
fairly starting from their sockets. All this,
and my own frantic struggles to keep the
boat right side up, was enough to provoke a
saint TO laughter. knew by the indications
that he had struck a wondrously big fish,
and was sure he could never capture it alone.
When he began to show signs of exhaustion
offered to assist him. To my amazement he
turned an angry look upon me, and gasped
an indignant protest.
"ShonSon, eef you touch dis flesh, l will
shoot you Dis ish my game eef goes under
NIT heeiu."
l did not reply, but made up my mind such
would be his fate. The huge fish would rise
to the surface as far FROM the boat as the pole
would permit; then dash madly up and down,
rocking the boat fearfully, and requiring all
the skill Of which was possessed to keep it
from oveitrrning
"Better let Inc help, Keifer"
"Shut oop," he answered savagely "Him
he yelled US the creature made a sudden dive,
Over Went Keifer.
NJ soul, what sight! For an instant his
fat, pudgy legs stuck up straight into the air,
then down he went-souse! His yell as he went
over was unearthly, and was echoed by
loud burst of laughter from behind us.
Turning saw boat load of people who had
followed to watch the greenhorns fish. They
came at once to our assistance, and together
we dragged Keller into the boat, more dead
than alive, but still grasping the handle of
the gafR, Several Of the men seized it, and
after some time succeeded in securing the
monstrous fish, which tipped the beam at
ninety pounds. Long and loud was their rail
cry over keter's attempt to land a sturgeon
alone. did not care TO try my luck. We
put out for another lake. JOHNSON.